Israeli Health Ministry Issues Water Contamination Warning for Northern Streams

The Israeli Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Environmental Protection have issued a warning against entering several streams and water sites in northern Israel due to elevated levels of fecal coliform bacteria detected in recent water tests. Samples taken on August 16 and 17 revealed bacterial counts significantly exceeding the recommended limit of 400 coliforms per 100 milliliters of water. The highest contamination was found at the Hexagon Pool, with 3,400 coliforms per 100 ml, over eight times the safe threshold. Other sites with high contamination include Yehudiya Falls (3,000), Haruv Pool in Nahal Tzalmon (2,900), and Gan HaTzafon in Hatzbani (2,300). Elevated levels were also recorded along the Jordan River at multiple bridges, including Joseph Bridge (1,400) and Atarot Fortress (1,900).

The authorities have specifically warned against entering water at the following locations: Banias near Kfar Salad Bridge; Hatzbani from the Roman Bridge to the confluence promenade; the Jordan River from Joseph Bridge to Arik Bridge; Hexagon Pool; Gilabon; Zaki; Yehudiya; Tzalmon’s Haruv Pool; and Kziv springs Ein Ziv and Ein Hardalit. The warning will remain in effect until water quality tests return to safe levels.

Currently, the source of the contamination remains unidentified. The Ministry of Environmental Protection reported no known pollution sources in the affected streams. Routine water sampling is conducted biweekly by Nature and Parks Authority inspectors at fixed points in the Upper Galilee, Golan Heights, and Western Galilee. Both ministries are continuing to monitor water quality closely and will update the public as new test results become available.